As a publisher-reviewer, I review many equipments, and now it's the turn of lawn mowers.
Looking at lawn mowers from a buyer's angle, I tried to list my expectations. Firstly, the mower should do what it's meant to do, i.e., mow lawns efficiently. Next, it should fulfill the promise the seller makes to prospective buyers. And most importantly, the price should be reasonable and competitive.
Cutting a long story short, I zeroed in on a popular brand of lawn mowers - Husqvarna.
Do They Have Enough Models?
You need to make a basic choice between walk-behind and ride-on mowers. The size of your lawn and how frequently you mow it should help you decide which one you want. Some users may take factors, such as mulching ability, and side discharge, into account, before deciding.
Husqvarna offers walk-behind mowers in several variants: the push type, the self propelled type, electrical mowers, and battery operated mowers.
Ride-on mowers have more maneuverability and the driver has a good view of the front. These mowers come with a front mounted cutting deck and are best suited for bigger lawns with long grass. The bagging and collection facility prevents the cut grass and weeds from spreading into the lawn. Side ejection and rear ejection options are also available.
Does Steering Matter?
Front wheel steering guarantees good traction and braking; rear wheel steering offers good tracking when reversing uphill and also projects the rear section when turning. Husqvarna has an articulated steering option, with a bio-clip cutting desk that causes leaves to be turned to fine mulch.
How Much Power Do You Need?
Husqvarna's Walk-Behind Mowers range from 4.5 HP to 5.5 HP, while Riding Mowers are 18 HP to 26 HP. Husqvarna's YTH yard tractors feed on tall grass. This mower range comes with features like step-through fender design, hydrostatic transmission, cup holders, and decks to mulch, discharge or bag. And a Briggs & Stratton engine, to boot.
Do You Really Need An Auto Mower?
If you are lazy, the auto mower may actually make you lazier still, as it does everything for you. You don't have to walk behind or ride a mower. All you have to do is make a boundary by pinning a wire to the ground. Then you put the auto mower in the middle and it mows.
If you think a tree on your lawn especially with roots above the ground might damage your auto mower, the manufacturer assures not to worry. The collision sensors, they say, not only stop it, but also help reverse the mower when it comes lightly in contact with objects. (I invite anyone with real experience to testify this)
The running cost is fairly low. Depending on the size of the lawn it may cost up to per year for electricity. Also, it is emission-free and makes almost no noise.
What About Maintenance? Warranty? Accessories?
Northern Tool offers toll free tech support through its 50 outlets in 11 states. So, you have spares and service within easy reach, with a 2 - 3 years extendable warranty, for parts and labor. Also, you can choose from a wide range of accessories: lawn aerators, tail mowers, tow behind sprayers, tow behind lawn sweeps, manure spreaders and industrial tools trailer carts.
How about the Price?
They are the best value for money as far as I've seen: riding mowers cost from 00 - 3600 and walk-behinds, 0 - 600. Of course, they also come with finance schemes.
How good are they really, taking all factors into account?
Popular Mechanics has rated Husqvarna the best mower of 2007.
